I have MIDI foot controller, the FCB-1010. It is far and away one of the sturdiest things I own. I bought it in either 2013 or 2014 and haven't had any issue since. It is pretty tedious to learn how to program, but other than that it's great.

My other piece if equipment is the UMC-404HD, a USB audio interface. I think I got it around 2016? Also very sturdy, never had any issue with it at all. For all that people complain about audio drivers on Linux, I just plugged this into my desktop running Mint ans it worked instantly. Way better and more stable.than it ever was on Windows 10.

Back when I was I high school, our bassist had a Behringer combo amp that was great. I don't remember the details, but it was cheap, loud, clear, and sturdy and I considered buying one myself.

I have heard that their quality has decreased in recent years. I'm also skeptical of buying anything from them now bfor the other reasons you mentioned.